5 Tips for New Homeowners

4/2/2016

Are you buying a house, or have purchased one in the past year?  You’re in luck then friend because Service Legends is bringing our 5 best tips for new homeowners!  These are things that every homeowner should know but aren’t usually mentioned when you’re getting advice on a new home.

You may know one or two of these, but all five are important if you want to save money in the long-term!  So, without further ado, here are our five tips for new homeowners:

1. Full Inspection. Get the house inspected before you buy it.  If you’re already sold on the house (or it’s been left to you), go ahead and have a full inspection done. Have professional technicians inspect the wiring, ventilation ducts, foundation, and general building for any problems that already exist.  These are all things you’re going to need to work with over the course of owning your home, so it’s essential to know what you’re looking at for the future.
2. How Old Are the Appliances? Is the furnace as old as the house?  Did you install a brand new oven when you moved in?  It’s important to know how old your appliances are. Many of them have ongoing warranties that may not have expired and others have service lifespans that will allow you to prepare for eventual replacements or repairs (nothing lasts forever after all). Find out just how old every appliance is, and start saving to pay for replacements.
3. Record Everything. Keep records for all maintenance, repairs, and replacements in your home. If you can, keep a logbook that has work orders or receipts for major repairs or renovations on the home. Not only will this help you keep track of who did what and when it’s a huge benefit when you’re trying to sell your home later.  You have a running tally of just how much work has been put into the home and what the value of the home has become over the time you’ve owned it. Plus, it’s an easy way to keep track of which warranties are still in effect.
4. Check Insulation. Insulation checks are often forgotten when people are looking at a new home. Improperly insulated walls and attics make it difficult to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, costing you a great deal in fuel and utilities.  Be sure to double-check how much insulation is in your home, and replace the missing elements as needed. You can also help yourself out by checking for shaded areas in the yard. Is the roof going to be shielded from the sun for the majority of the day? If the windows and roof are shaded against the harshest heat, you’ll save on cooling bills during the summer, and that’s never a bad thing.
5. Save for the Future. This last one is similar to the first and sounds like common sense. You know you’re going to have to make some repairs on your home during its lifetime. Put some money back in advance for major repairs or replacements. That way, when the day comes that your air conditioner breaks down and needs a full replacement, you’ve already got it covered and don’t have to spend days without summer cooling.

---

Thank you for making Service Legends the #1 provider of residential heating and air conditioning in the Des Moines area. A live and friendly customer care representative is ready to take your call 24/7 at 515-COMFORT (515.266.3678).

515-657-6634Request Appointment Online

Return